(That, as an “assonance,” is quite as good
    As “sang it,” and “began it.”) Ornamental
  And Eastern Mythos draws me; but I’m good
    At “Poems National and Non-Oriental.”

  I love the Hindoos, I adore the Japs;
    I’m fond of scraps of Oriental lingo;
  Yet I’m a patriot, and have hymned, perhaps,
    As much as most, my native god, great Jingo!

  I think a Muse with twinkly almond orbs,
    Would—­as a change—­in England prove most fetching;
  Is it not plain Jap Art our Art ahsorbs! 
    Why not in singing, then, as well as sketching?

  I’m sure my “GEISHA” is as good a girl
    As Vivien, or Faustine, or e’en Dolores. 
  Is she more frail, less fair, that perfect pearl
    Of Singing Girls, Xipangu’s great’st of glories?

  Knocks her nice little flat nose on the floor,
    In Japanese politeness, my “Half Jewel.” 
  ALGERNON’s nymphs, in song or in amour
    Are always coarse and generally cruel.

  “Pearls of the Faith,” is a most pious work,
    Although AL-MUTAHALI is the stringer. 
  But only he who hates “The Unspeakable Turk,”
    On that account would blame the Christian singer!

  “Lotus and Jewel!” Doesn’t that sound nice? 
    My mild Jap Muse may be a roguey-poguey;
  But there’s no stimulus to pleasant vice
    About a holy Brahman or chaste Yogi.

  “Land of the Rising Sun,” delightful “Third
    Kingdom of Merry Dreams,” of you I’m amorous. 
  Must that exclude me from the Wreath?  Absurd! 
    I’m prettily pious, and I’m gently glamorous.

  My Knighthood proves that I am quite O.K.,
    My dear D.T. will answer for my morals;
  I’m steeped in Sanscrit lore, and so must say
    I can’t see why I should not wear the laurels!

  “Quite so,” said Punch.  “I like your rhyme—­and cheek;
  Still, there be others yet to hear—­next week!”

* * * * *

[Illustration:  AN ILL-DIGESTED LESSON.

The Governess.  “And now, what is a Parable, Effie?”

Effie (who has got rather muddled).  “A Parable?  Oh, of course, a Parable is a Heavenly story with an Earthly meaning!”]

* * * * *

APOLOGIA ARRYGATENSIS.—­“’ARRY in Arrygate” was so much sought after everywhere that it was thought Mr. Punch could not possibly supply the great demand for this article with sufficient celerity and dispatch.  Hence it happened that the Harrogate Advertiser enthusiastically reproduced the entire article as published in Mr. Punch’s pages, without saying “with your leave, or by your leave,” to the Proprietors representing Mr. Punch.  So, Mr. Punch, always kindly and courteous, was compelled in this instance